Des Moines police chief is saying the right things
As a former reserve officer and ethics instructor for the Des Moines Police Department, I am encouraged by new chief Michael McTaggart’s recent emphasis to new recruits on “asking questions, listening, using empathy with sound judgment, and relying on your fellow officers’ help.” Such an ethos or culture, too, must be built and nurtured in the relationships, which he calls for, with citizens and community organizations. It gives me hope that McTaggart recognizes the need “to keep constantly striving to be better.” I wish him, the department, and the city they serve all the best.
Tobias Winright, Maynooth, Ireland
Legislators are set to listen to atheists
Jason Benell of the Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers is upset because the atheist does not have an official day at the state Capitol. He is mistaken; in 2025 the Atheists and Freethinkers have a day when the Legislature will be in session, the first Tuesday in April. Use it wisely.